UNCW's Molinaro ready for homecoming

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) - This weekend, number 12 in your program might be number one in the hearts of the University of Virginia faithful. At least when the Cavs aren't facing UNCW.

Tyler Molinaro, who is a Charlottesville native, is returning to his hometown. His Seahawks will open Regional play Friday night against Elon.

"To have a chance to go back there and play in front of friends and family that have never had the chance to come down to North Carolina and watch me play is special." Molinaro said.

Molinaro used to light things up in the Commonwealth. He was an All-State selection in 2009 and team MVP after setting school mark for home runs and runs batted in.

"I grew up going to games at that stadium my entire life." Molinaro said. "It's one of those things, you don't really believe it until you see it so once our name came up it was an exhilarating feeling."

Heading into the Regional he's leading UNCW in home runs (11) and ranks sixth in RBI (33).

"I think we have a chance to do some damage there as well so it's a great place to be and I'm ecstatic to go back."